Japanese group thanks Taiwan with wheelchairs

Staff writer, with CNA

Tue, Feb 26, 2013 - Page 4

A Japanese group yesterday donated wheelchairs to a Taipei-based charity as thanks for Taiwan’s help in the wake of the powerful earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan in March 2011.

The Mrs Nippon Grandprix donated 10 wheelchairs to the TVBS Caring for Taiwan Foundation, established by Taipei-based television station TVBS, to thank the nation for its generous support and donations in the wake of the disaster.

It was touching that Taiwan made significant donations to Japan shortly after the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, Mihoko Hanajiri said on behalf of the group at a donation ceremony in Taipei.

“We will distribute the wheelchairs to disabled children living in remote areas around Taiwan,” a TVBS foundation board member said, while expressing gratitude for the donation.

The Mrs Nippon Grandprix is a Japanese association that holds an annual contest to select women in three age groups — 30s, 40s and 50s — who are beautiful, help the needy and demonstrate concern for social issues, such as environmental protection and food safety, the association said.

A group of 12 previous winners of the contest traveled to Taiwan to attend the ceremony and thank the country ahead of the second anniversary of the disaster.

In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, Taiwan donated about US$260 million in relief and reconstruction aid to Japan, the highest amount given by any country in the world.